William Danny Walters

William Danny “Dan” Walters, age 75 of Clarence (formerly of Thor, Iowa), passed into life eternal on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022 under the care of hospice at Clarence Nursing Home. There will be a private memorial service at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Clarence with Pastor Matt Schneider-Adams officiating. Graveside service was held at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Iowa on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m.
Dan was born on April 14, 1947 to William Robinson and Naida (Underwood) Walters in Moline, Illinois. He attended school in Guthrie Center, graduating from high school in 1965 and later from Iowa State University in 1969. It was at ISU where he met a beautiful young co-ed, Beverly Hicks, who would become the love of his life. They were married in 1972 in Churdan, Iowa and would welcome their first child, Jennifer, in 1975. The arrival of their son, William Michael, blessed the family in 1980.

Dan descended from a long line of ornery practical jokers and brought smiles everywhere he went. In fact, Dan’s mother insisted he and his younger sister Lori not sit next to one another at family functions because they created a giggly distraction, even as adults. Dan’s orneriness was often targeted at his beloved mother-in-law Eula Mae, whom he teased mercilessly, which she returned in spades. Dan also loved to tease his children and grandchildren that the reason he was bald was because he’d given all of his beautiful curls so they could all have curly hair.

Dan was a brilliant and creative problem solver, whether under the hood of his prized Mopar muscle cars, ankle deep in sawdust building beautiful things for his family or in the garden tending his many varieties of tomatoes, moonflowers and sunflowers.

As much as Dan loved woodworking, the Cyclones, cars, music, gardening and his dear wife Bevy, his grandchildren were the light of his life. If you knew Dan you knew how proud he was of his babies. His kind heart shone like sunshine as a world famous baby whisperer. There was not a baby in the family who could resist his loving arms and calm demeanor.

Dan was also a voracious reader of books, newspapers and magazines and for years was an obituary aficionado. He loved learning the interesting details about folks’ lives. We hope we’re doing right by your high standards Dad.

It seems fitting for Dan to pass during the gales of November, as he always said he’d love to drop everything and head to the Great Lakes during a gale warning to watch the storms roll in. Enjoy the show Dad.

We’re all just walking each other home and Dan was a joy to walk beside. See ya later Alligator!

Left to celebrate Dan’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Beverly of Clarence, his daughter Jennifer (Levi) VanOort, Clarence, son William Michael (Michelle) Walters, Milan, MI, sister Lori (Carl) Bracken, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his treasured grandchildren, Marshall and Clancey VanOort and Olivia and Ada Walters, and many more cherished family and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bruce.

Cards may be sent to Beverly at: PO Box 59, Clarence, Iowa 52216

Chapman Funeral Home is caring for Dan and his family. Condolences may be left at www.chapmanfh.com.